More Bones by Arielle North Olson

Author:Arielle North Olson
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2010-02-28T23:00:00+00:00

“Of course,” he said, when he finally caught his breath. “It was written on the scroll. If someone is in the treasure chamber when it closes, he is enchanted forever.”

Peregil began to load a bag with gold and silver and jewels from elegant porcelain jars. His friend grabbed treasure by the fistful. But both men kept a wary eye on the two guards, still standing like statues on each side of a huge banded chest. Peregil wondered what was inside it.

He inched past the nearest guard so he could open the lid. But the moment he touched it, there was a noise in the chamber above. Was it a falling rock? Or were the stairs about to be blocked by mysterious powers? The frightened men raced up the steps and stumbled into the upper chamber. That’s when the candle stub slipped from Peregil’s hand and fell to the floor. Its flame went out. Immediately the earth began to rumble and the stone floor slammed shut beneath them. The steps that led down to the treasure were now hidden under a thick layer of rock.

Peregil grabbed the candle stub, and the men ran up to the entrance of the cave. They were happy to be safe, with their bags filled with treasure. On the way down the rocky path, they chattered about what they could do with their newfound wealth. But before they reached the city, the shopkeeper took hold of the water carrier’s shoulder.

“You know what will happen,” he said, “if the officials ever hear of our treasure. They will take our money and throw us in jail besides. So we must not tell anyone.” But as luck would have it, a bright jewel slipped from Peregil’s bag and fell beside his doorstep. It gleamed in the moonlight. He didn’t notice it, but his nosy neighbor did. That nasty gossip watched until Peregil disappeared into the house. Then he sneaked over and pocketed the jewel. The moment the sun rose, he showed it to the corrupt official.

The official was outraged. He raced down the street and burst through Peregil’s door. “I’ll throw you in jail yet,” he shouted, slapping the poor water carrier, “unless you give me the money you stole.”

What could Peregil do? He would rather lose his treasure than his freedom, so he told the official about the enchanted cave.

Was the official satisfied with Peregil’s coins and jewels? “I want more,” he demanded. “Take me to the cave tonight.”

Peregil didn’t want to involve the storekeeper. But if the Moor did not read the scroll, the treasure room would not open, the official would be furious, and Peregil would rot in jail.

“I’ll bring someone to help us,” Peregil said. He hoisted the bag of treasure onto his shoulder and took it to the official’s home. Then he raced off to find the Moor to beg for his assistance.

“What will become of us?” cried the shopkeeper. But as much as he feared the official’s power, he could not desert his friend.

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